296 NATURAL PERIODIC PHENOMENA. 
insect, are bound up with the phases of the existence of the plant 
that nourishes it ; this plant itself, in its gradual developement, is 
in some sort the product of all the anterior modifications of the 
soil and atmosphere.” 
The Swallow tribe, (Hirundines), visited us in remarkably 
small numbers; and in many of their accustomed haunts were 
very late in their arrival. The Cuckoo and Corncrake were scarce ; 
Woodcocks, Snipes, Plovers, the migratory thrushes, Ducks, 
Teal, Widgeon, and other winter Natatores were very scarce. It 
is to be noticed that the Starling has become a settler amongst 
us, and has formed colonies at Trewordale, Bosnieves, and other 
places in the neighbourhood. Frogs, judging from their spawn, 
once so common in our pools, as well as their tadpoles, have for a 
time very much diminished in numbers. 
Crops in the Bodmin District. 
Hay was about an average, and on the whole pretty well 
saved—weather very fickle. 
Wheat was much below the average, and, in consequence of the ~ 
unusually wet harvest, much was injured by sprouting, midge, ete. 
Barley was a good crop, above the average, but much injured 
by the wet harvest ; very little in this district will do for malting 
this year. 
Oats were a good average crop in some places, and, not being 
so easily damaged by wet as wheat and barley, were better saved. 
Turnips made a good start, but were checked by the cold and 
rain of August and September; the mild Autumn has, however, 
helped them, and they are now an average crop, though not gener- 
ally large in the bulb. 
Potatoes were a fair crop, but much injured by the disease ; in 
consequence of the excessive rain, the quality is not good. 
Mangolds were an average crop. 
Apples, a good crop, much above the average, but not full 
flavoured. 
Hazel-nuts, a slight crop. 
Plums, a very small crop. 
Grass has been very plentiful in consequence of the excessive 
humidity. 
